The Big Guns!

Luke 22:3 Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the
number of the twelve. 4 And he went his way, and communed with the
chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them.

Satan was alive and well on the planet when he brought out the bigs guns to wipe out his arch rival, the Son of God. Only three other times in the entire word do we find the head imp himself doing the dirty work by filling someone or something. Usually, he sends his hellish thug underlings.

-He possessed the serpent in the garden to bring the entire race to the bottom. He was successful.
-He filled Ananias and Sapphira to short-circuit the church and its program. They were also destroyed.
-Here, he entered into Judas to destroy the King of Glory. It worked, for a couple of days anyway. He played right into God's plan!
-And someday soon, he will possess the anti-christ to rule the world and wear out the saints. Effective he will be, until he is bound for a thousand years. Poor lil' slewfoot!

Fact is, Revelation 12:12 alerts us to his increased activity in the last days. He knows better than any of us that if he has anything needing done, he'd better get it done quickly, his days are numbered.

So don't be too shocked at the increased craziness in your life. The infernal forces are being mustered for some final drastic attempts to devour God's kids and His work. Remember, the thief's job is to steal, kill and destroy, so be on guard, stand strong, don the holy armor and make up your mind to endure to the end!

Huge Contrast!

Luke 21:4 For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had. 5 And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said, 6 As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.

Jesus makes a contrast of epic proportions in these few verses. First, He makes the observation of the value of the poor widow's 2 mites, all she had given to help others. Heaven recorded this sacrificial act in the eternal pages. Then He points to the great wealth of the temple and declares that it would all be coming down in a few years. Its grandeur would be brought to rubble. After all, the whole temple thing had been derailed by greed, corruption and power.

It concerns me that we gawk in awe at that which will pass and ignore the things that God memorializes.

I was in a “church” recently that left a very bitter taste in my mouth. It was a monumental affair of finery and grandeur. One couldn't help but gaze in shock and awe at the immensity of it all. Then the program featured children quoting, or rather misquoting Scripture. Twice, the Great Commission was quoted, both times omitting the command to baptize in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. This notable omission angered me to the point where I promised myself that I would never, under any circumstances, enter that place again. How dare they blatantly delete one-third of Jesus' last wishes for His church!

I don't wish difficulty on any true work of God, but I have the feeling that Ichabod may soon be written above the doors of any edifice adorned with goodly stones and gifts if they insist on short-changing the Word of the Lord and wresting the Scriptures to their own destruction.

Just give me some simple, poor people like the little widow woman, willing to give their all to move the work of God along. This is what delights heaven. Their works will shine as the stars forever and ever.

Casting it all in

Luke 21:1 And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury. 2 And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites. 3 And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: 4 For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.

The words used 4 times here are kind of interesting. The words "cast" and "casting" literally mean to throw, by more or less violent action. Nobody really can tell us what the set up for giving was. We are used to ushers passing offering baskets down the rows of parishioners at offering time. Others have the practice of having a locked box in which congregants pass by, dropping their money in the slot in top of the box. Still others place offering plates on the altar and the congregation files by placing their offerings in the plate in front of the pastor's gaze. That's an interesting practice which seems biblical.

But here we have these rich men and a poor woman throwing their money into the collection for the treasury, used to assist the poor. And it was no private affair. It was an opportunity for the rich men to show off their generosity. Note that Jesus looked up to see this giving. Now, we understand that He is looking down, still interested in how generous people are.

The mite was the very smallest coin in that currency. It meant little to the overall need, yet it meant much to the Savior. The rich of this occasion gave a relatively small percentage while the poor widow threw in 100%. When rewards are given at the judgment seat, as all believers will surely witness her return with interest, she will, no doubt, be greatly rewarded above all earthly wealth combined. Think of it, a couple of pennies invested into the work of God, collecting heavenly interest at, say 5% per anum, over a couple of thousand years. Well, let's just say, her days of penury will be long forgotten. Though she warranted the attention of only Jesus and the disciples that day, all of heaven will applaud her sacrifice at the Bema on that great day.

I can’t wait until next Sunday’s offering!

So don't be afraid to cast it all into God's work if you are so inclined, Jesus is still paying attention to what's going into the plate.

Bienvenidos!!!

Blogging from Mexico this week. More specifically, Rosarito Beach. Internet service is spotty. Your patience is appreciated! Gracias!

What are you doing with your pounds today?

Luke 19:12 He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. 13 And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. 14 But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us. 15 And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading. 16 Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds. 17 And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.

The pound was a weight of money, in the Greek, "mna" (Sounds like money to me!). The idea is that the Good Lord has invested in each of us, His stewards, talents to be used for the increase of His kingdom. To some, He gives more and to some less. No one is to brag or complain about that which He granted to us, it is His doing, by His free grace. Our responsibility is to put those talents to use. We are not to glory in that which He has entrusted, but to marvel and get motivated.

Many are content to leave their talent buried because they are paralyzed by the fear that their talent is insignificant. The Lord considers this as wicked. It is an affront to the Gifter when gifts go unopened.

So, I ask you, what are you going to do today with the talents God has invested in you that would increase His kingdom if you would just use them?

I Want to See Jesus

Luke 19:1 And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. 2 And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. 3 And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. 4 And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way. 5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.

I want to see Jesus so badly I can almost taste it! Heaven holds so many blessings for us that our earthly minds can't even begin to comprehend what is in store for us. What new colors and sounds will we experience? What ancestors will be waiting for us of whom we know little or nothing? What does a transparent street of gold really look like? Rooms or mansions? One tree, 12 different kinds of fruit? Will we be able to travel by the speed of thought? Who will be there? Who won't be there? Am I actually here?

All these and a thousand other questions and longings about heaven. I would love to sit down with little Colton Burpo and interview him regarding his time in heaven. Y0u know about Colton, right? The little 4 year old, his daddy a pastor here in Imperial, Nebraska, who died and spent some time in glory, only to return to tell the story. I do know a few others who have had a similar experience but are honestly reluctant to say anything lest they be judged. They choose not to cast their pearls. Paul was that way for 14 years, you know.

But most of all, I want to see Jesus! Can you relate? If you are born again, bought by His blood, of course you can.

Zacchaeus was willing to go to the greatest lengths to see the Saviour, the Healer, the Prophet from Galilee. He risked his neck and went out on a limb to do so.

Well, now we see through a glass darkly. But the more we open our spiritual eyes and see the Lord in His Word, in His leading in our lives, in His miracles all around us, the more we see Jesus. And, soon enough, He will acknowledge our gaze and say, "Let's go on home together and have some supper!"

Clueless

Luke 18:34 And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.

At various times the Lord called the disciples slow, faithless, perverse, and a few other derogatory descriptors. He said to Peter, "Get thee behind me Satan," among other things. At times we saw the apostles being impetuous, fickle, frightful and doubtful.

And yet, these are the crème' de la crème' of our profession. We look to their writings as our final rule of faith and practice.

Peter suffered from foot in the mouth disease. James and John were aptly named "sons of thunder," partially exposing their tempestuous nature. Yet, they are directly or indirectly responsible for at least 9 books of the New Testament! Countless churches, hospitals, orphanages and other institutions are named after them and inspired by their ministries.

What gives? Why are these flawed individuals the most influential personages of history? The answer comes in one word, RESURRECTION. When Christ rose again in victory over death, hell and the grave, and when the disciples finally got it all put together in their hearts and minds, it changed them so that they were able to turn the world upside-down. It put steel in their backbones and a fire in their bellies that hell could never quench. The resurrection gave way to their conversion. 3 years with the Savior only prepared them for the greater works they would do by the Spirit in the Savior's absence.

I can relate, especially to the former state of the apostles. Wavering faith, divided loyalties, doubtful disposition, waning zeal, and mind-numbing frustration dog the steps of my service. My shame is that I live and serve God post-resurrection. I believe I have a grasp of entering into the power of the resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings. I pray for the power of the latter state of the disciples in which the Holy Ghost came upon them and they feared not man and loved not their lives unto death.

O great God, O resurrected Christ, O indwelling Spirit, fill me with power, wisdom, passion and purpose to live each day in the light of the resurrection and of your second coming. Let me serve and preach like Peter the martyr rather than Peter the denier. Allow me to love and encourage like John the Beloved instead of John Boanerges. Amen!

Drawing Near to Jesus

Luk 17:12 And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: 13 And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. 14 And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. 15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, 16 And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. 17 And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? 18 There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. 19 And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.

Lepers were the most outcast of anyone in society. Their highly communicable disease not only meant a death sentence, but it cut them off from society.

Therefore, they could only come within shouting distance of the Healer. Word had gotten around about His ability to alter the course of people's lives with one touch. And so they just had to make the effort to get in the vicinity of the Master. Yet, because of the constant throng around the Lord, there was no way they were going to touch the hem of His garment. They assumed He wouldn't/couldn't come to them because they were taboo!

But that didn't stop them from making a cry of desperation from the other hilltop. And He heard them. In fact He knew they'd be there before He got there. The Holy Spirit had already caused them to move from their leper colony to seek help.

And so He heard them and granted their request for mercy. He sent them away, the other way, to show the priests. That was the required method of inspection and declaration of cleansing from leprosy.

They came within shouting distance, they left to see the priests as their leprosy was falling away. None of them could even see the smile on His face, none was near enough to even witness the compassion in His eyes. None could see the look that would have told them He was testing them even as He was healing them.

Except for one. This healing was basically a resurrection from the dead. They would be reintegrated into society. They would soon get to hug their spouses and children once again. They would soon participate in synagogue activities once more. Life would be restored! And this one (former) leper realized the impact of what just happened.

Perhaps some of them were just busy obeying, in that they were to see the priests. Some were so over-joyed, they forgot to thank the Healer. Some were not grateful by nature. But one in ten had a clue and returned to fall at the feet of the Saviour and give proper thanks.

And that brings me to me. It brings us to us. How many "sinner's prayers" have we witnessed with so little reaction?

It would seem that, once the chains have been dropped, sins forgiven, eternities changed, soul diseases healed, that a greater percentage of (former) lepers would be in church to regularly thank God. It only seems right that many would return to the feet of the Saviour to offer their service. Yet, it we also have to wonder, where are the nine?

Just Doing My Duty

Luke 17:7 But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat? 8 And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink? 9 Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not. 10 So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.

We are a coddled society. We hope to be pampered, have a slap on the back and be given special recognition for every little thing we do.

Not so in Jesus' culture. A servant was expected to work and work hard. His reward was his pay. He didn't expect preferential treatment from the master.

I wonder why so many believers are under the impression that the trumpet is going to sound, they are going to stand before Christ at the judgment seat and be up for a ton of rewards. They seldom or never won a soul to Christ. They rarely lifted a finger in the service of the Master. They had a difficult time being faithful in the field. And yet, they expect heaven to be all about their comfort and reward.

My Bible tells me that some will be saved, yet, so as by fire. In other words, by the skin of their teeth. The Word teaches that if we do not bear the cross we cannot wear the crown. It says that only if we suffer with Him, then can we reign with Him.

The quality of heaven for us is determined by our faithfulness down here. Mansions are being prepared, but we've got to send our building materials on ahead.

I am afraid most preachers minister only because it is their chosen profession. It is a decent living for them. I suspect many Christians are in the service of the Lord to serve themselves.

Even when we have done our duty, our attitudes must be that we are merely unprofitable servants and whatever thanks and rewards that come our way are due only to the grace of the Almighty.

Contrasting the Beggar and the Rich Man

Luke 16:19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: 20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, 21 And
desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; Both Jesus and Abraham were eager to contrast the lives and fates of these two very different men.

One was filthy rich, the other, just filthy.
One was clothed in finery, the other, in misery.
One had a sumptuous diet, the other, a crummy one.
One banqueted, the other begged.
One died of gluttony, the other, of starvation.
One died and was buried, the other, died and was carried.
One wound up in hell's torments, the other, in Abraham's bosom.
One cried for mercy, the other found relief.
One was now tormented, the other, now comforted.
One was held in hell, the other, placed in Paradise.
One ignored the prophets, the other believed them.

It is said that there are two kinds of people in the world. Those which lump everybody into two kinds of people and those that don't. I go with the first group.

There are those who have trod the broad path, others, the narrow way.
There are those who have chosen the smoking section of eternity and those who have opted for non-smoking.
There are those who have trusted in themselves and those who trust Christ as Savior.

There is nothing sinful about linen clothing, nor is begging a virtue. Wearing purple won’t send anyone to eternal torment, neither does starvation earn Paradise. But the contrast shows character deficiency in the rich man and that his priorities kept him from conversion.

That's Some Coin!

Luke 15:8 Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it? 9 And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost. 10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

Finding this one piece of silver was cause for great rejoicing. She still had nine other coins, but for this one, she got a flashlight, swept her house and tenaciously searched until she came up with it.

Then, she called a party! I have always wondered if the resulting party didn't cost more than the value of the coin itself. I mean, a typical silver coin now is worth just a few dollars. A decent party is going to cost the value of that coin many times over. So what's the deal?

One, that coin was part of a set of ten. Its disappearance meant the set was incomplete. When it was discovered, the rejoicing was not only on the behalf of the single coin, but for the entire body of coins. The value of the whole was increased by each of its parts.

Two, as long as that one coin was missing, so was normality, function and complete joy and satisfaction. Yes, nine coins remained safely tucked away in their display case, but as long as that one was AWOL, there would always be a dark cloud of sadness over the soul of the owner. There would never be complete piece of mind as long as she knew one was missing, one was lost, one was uncared for, one was being tarnished.

Three, this coin had some value to her that others could not understand. Perhaps there was a sentimental value attached to the silver piece. Maybe it was passed down from previous generations, or it was gifted to her by someone special. Possibly, it represented one month's rent, or it was her designated tithe (one of ten) and its loss meant God would not be honored or a future rent payment would not be made. No mention is made of a husband or children, therefore, money was hard to come by.

And so, she was so relieved when she finally found where it had fallen and rolled that she decided she would spare no other expense to rejoice, even bringing in the neighbors to share in her joy.

I am picturing the neighbor kids out back poking a piñata. I can imagine the adults milling around the freshly swept house, with Kool-Aide in one hand and a couple of Fig Newtons in the other. I can see the teens in one of the bedrooms working on their latest dance moves. All of this happiness being shared because one lady found one coin and now, everything seems pretty okay today.

Can you make the obvious applications?
The lost coin represents either a lost or straying soul. The woman represents God, or maybe even a pastor, possibly a parent or Sunday school teacher. Though they have others to love and care for, they greatly value the individual.

One, when one soul goes astray, the entire church/family/class is lacking a vital asset. Each person brings a great deal to the table. The one who decides to seek greener pastures has no idea of the sadness, loneliness and lack they leave behind. The whole set is in want when one "falls through the cracks." A body is not complete and functional as long as one body part is severed from the rest.

Two, although that rest of the set (the church, family, class, etc.) will somehow go on without the prodigal coin, it will never be the same. Lingering in the back of the minds of the others will always be that sad feeling of "something's missing." The fellowships will never be quite complete, the parties can never have as much joy. The sheepfold will produce less wool, the coin collection will always show an empty spot, the brotherhood will long for the younger son who is off feeding with the swine.

And three, though others may say, "its only one person, no big deal." God in heaven, the pastor in his study, the mom in the kitchen and the teacher in her classroom know that one soul is worth more than the entire world. “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”

This is what causes a shepherd to leave 99 sheep in the fold to go out into the wilderness to find one stray lamb. This is what causes a grieving, praying dad set daily on his front porch, keeping an eye on the road. This is what causes a woman to hire Merry Maids to do a deep cleaning of the whole house so they might find that valued silver dollar. And this is what would cause God to send His only Son all the way from heaven's glory to die on a gory cross.

You are that lamb/prodigal son/coin/soul. Isn't it time to be found? The piñatas are being hung from the tree of life in heaven. The angels are working on their dance moves. Trays of Fig Newtons are being set out on the banquet tables. The party is ready to get started, they are waiting for just one thing...for you to be found.

Carried by the Great Shepherd

Luke 15:4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? 5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. 7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

Amazing? The wandering lamb, who had been lost on the dangerous wilderness hillsides, was carried home on the shoulders of the shepherd. It was goodness and mercy which had followed the wooly little creature away from the flock and reported his wanderings to the shepherd. The little lamb didn't return by himself for a decent gps does not the sheep possess. His watcher had to search and seize him even to the chagrin of the flock which stayed safely in the fold.

What caused this lamb to wander? His head was buried in tufts of grass. He moved from one tuft to the next until finally, he found himself separated from the flock. He wasn't listening to the voice of the shepherd, nor did he check to see what others were doing. Hence, he found himself in grave danger of predators and the elements.

Are you making the connection? The Shepherd is the Savior, the flock is the church, the wilderness is the world and YOU are the lamb. Stay close to the Shepherd and don't stray from church. Once you are separated, you are an easy target for predators.

Camp Beth-Eden

Youth Camp! Ah what an experience. More decisions are made there for young people than in any other venue. We had a wonderful camp experience this past week (hence my absence from blogging for the past week).

Approximately 150 campers and counselors gathered from Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma, forsaking their video games, TVs and social media for 5 days and received concentrated doses of the Word of God. The result was 20 young people either accepting the Lord as Savior of gaining assurance of their salvation. That's one out of every 6 of the kids present! Others rededicated themselves to Christ and some surrendered to full time ministry.

It was a victorious week! Pray that the kids would be able to continue on in the Lord as they go back to their "normal" lives to live "abnormally" for Christ.

Blessings!!!

Look Who's Coming to Dinner

Luke 15:1 Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. 2 And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.

The religious watched and were appalled as the low-life dregs of society were drawn to the Saviour to hear Him preach and to eat with Him.

A week ago, a good brother, sister and I ministered to a drug addict. We packed up and moved this person who was literally stymied, frozen in place by their addiction. We paused to pray several times for grace and strength for this poor soul, overcome by poverty, shame and the ravages of dependence.

Many expressions of gratefulness were conveyed as we worked circles around them in the heat and humidity of a house without air-conditioning and in press of the summer sun.

And the kicker, we didn't know this person from Adam. They were a sinner in need of Christian compassion. They had experienced plenty of religion, powerless to lift them above their saddened condition. This person is now assured in their relationship with the Lord!

Jesus said to look upon the fields, for they are white unto harvest. Those vast fields are rife with the type of people that Jesus received criticism for pursuing.

But there they are, standing in need of Christian compassion and a good dose of the gospel of Christ. If we don't reach them, who will?

Counting the Cost of Discipleship

Luk 14:26 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. 27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. 28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?

People and things tend to endear themselves to us, sometimes disproportionately. The committed disciple of Christ must take great care so as not to allow anything else to come before the Savior in our affection.

A real problem I have observed is that over time the committed disciple may once again begin to allow people and things to become too important. At one time they were happily willing to squash all claim on possessions and relations for sake of the gospel and it’s Object. But time and circumstance can temper their zeal and lessen their commitment.

Having counted the cost at one point and then later deciding to disown the cross and leave the tower unfinished is to go AWOL from discipleship.

We must remain committed until the battle is done and the victory is won.

Are you a committed disciple of Christ? Will you remain faithful until the crowns are granted?

If you do not bear the cross, you cannot wear the crown!

A Word on Behalf of Child Evangelism Fellowship

Mat 19:14 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

I attended a monthly CEF prayer breakfast this morning. Among the attendees were Dr. Warren Weirsbe and his dear wife, Betty. For those of you who may not know this brother, he was pastor of the Moody Bible Church in Chicago, Calvary Baptist in Covington, KY and was the teacher at Back to the Bible here in Lincoln. For more info on this good brother, check out http://classicchristian.posterous.com/menofgod-warren-w-wiersbe-pt1

This morning, he told me that, next to Sunday school, CEF is the most efficient way to win children to Christ in the whole world. They have been involved with CEF for decades. I think he is on to something. One other ministry I can think of is also having a Major impact world-wide for children, MANNA Ministries.

So, I am going to give this plug to CEF in my blog today. Here in Nebraska, CEF supporters have been presented with a $50,000 matching funds challenge. For the next couple of months, all pledges to CEF will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to $50,000.

These people are reaching out to children, the world’s greatest and most receptive mission field, through Good News Clubs in the schools and in the Neighborhood Bible Clubs. They are raising up an army of young people, trained to be missionaries in their own right, to win these kids.

CEF works in league with local churches to help build those churches through evangelism to children. For more info, check out: http://www.cefnebraska.org/

Let me know if you are interested in helping. Blessings!

Going to work isn't optional, the kids have to be in school. So why is church and option???

The dangers of missing work…
1. Your co-workers will regret that a valued member of the team will not be present
2. Production will be down, your job incomplete
3. Your boss will scramble to somehow fill in the gap
4. You will be professionally stunted, gaining no valuable skills and experience for the duration of your absence.
5. Your positive influence cannot inspire fellow employees or potential customers.
6. All the amenities invested to ensure your comfort and productivity will have been in vain for the time you are absent. Lights, air conditioning, phone, computer, desk, coffee, water cooler, etc., will all be wasted on your behalf.
7. Great company victories, accounts procured, sales made, deals sealed, and goods produced will be minus the fingerprint of your influence.

Better not play hooky from school…
1. Your friends will be sad without you.
2. School may not meet its standards (AYP)
3. Teacher will have to readjust the class
4. Your learning will have gaps\
5. You will not have the opportunity to be a friend to a lonely classmate.
6. Your desk will sit idle, school lunch prepared for you will go to waste.
7. The “A” on your test will instead be and “incomplete”

The problems of skipping church…
1. Other congregants will dearly miss a good brother or sister whose pew is vacant.
2. Your ministry at church will not be executed.
3. The Pastor will wonder how the body can function properly with missing body parts.
4. You will miss the opportunity to fellowship, grow in Christ, and respond to the message God has for you on the Lord’s day.
5. Your encouragement of others will not take happen, you won’t be a blessing to a brother or sister who needed you.
6. The expense that the church has gone to for your worship experience will have been wasted. The pew that was purchased for your comfort, the lights and air conditioning, the refreshments, all intended for you, all in vain. The meal that the pastor labored over for hours, the table set, and the delivery made, just for you… all for nothing.
7. As souls are saved, victories are gained, lives are restored, you will not be on hand to rejoice with your church in what God is doing. Rewards will go to others.

Jesus Addresses Current Events

Luke 13:1 There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things?


It seems obvious by a cursory reading of the Scripture that disasters or other tragedies sometimes can come about as a result of judgment, self-affliction or just pure happenstance.

It is possible that this tragedy brought about by the wicked Pontius Pilate stemmed from an act of worship by some rabble-rousing (in Pilate's estimation) Galileans.

We read in Acts 5:37, After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed.

Some believe this happened contemporaneously with Jesus' ministry. Now, some took it upon themselves to act as the cable news service to deliver this tidbit of information to Jesus and His disciples.

Strange how Pilate and Herod despised each other as they pulled stuff like this on each other to get under the skin of their nemesis. Yet, when Jesus was the one accused, they worked together to orchestrate His crucifixion.

But the fact remains, people were slaughtered at the hands of a despot, and he committed sacrilege.

Speaking of current events, these days we are hearing about floods, typhoons, earthquakes, nuclear accidents, tornadoes, wildfires, economic upheaval, genocide, wars and skirmishes.

It should not go unnoticed by us that nothing goes unnoticed by the Lord. He is, in fact, up on the latest news. He loves those who suffer cruel fates. It behooves us to be busy about the Lord's business and see that these people get the gospel and repent before they perish.

A Blessed Fourth of July!

Psa 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.

To those of you dear readers who call America your earthly home, I want to wish you a very happy and blessed birthday. Our nation was brought forth as the result of a church relocation. Those pilgrims moved their local church from England to Holland to Plymouth, Mass.

Our nation was built on the Principles of the Word of God. Our founding documents are rife with Scriptural directives. Our early leaders were committed believers in Jesus Christ. The least religious of our founders were abundantly more conversant in the Scriptures than many of today's theologians. Every state constitution proclaims dependance on the God of heaven.

In short, America is a Christian nation, our president's statements to the world notwithstanding. Though a large part of our population may yet be unredeemed, The ten commandments and the golden rule still guide our public conduct.

Yet, the anti religious God-haters are cutting a wide swath in our public discourse and are making great gains in our culture. It is incumbent upon Bible believers that we stay ever so close to the Savior and stand strong in our biblical conviction. Mostly, we must bravely stand and be extremely vociferous in our demands that God and the Bible be not cast aside from the fabric of our culture.

II Chronicles 7:14 must be applied if our nation hopes to remain a shining light on a hill, a beacon to the world for hope, liberty and righteousness.

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.


May God bless you and keep you safe on America's birthday.

Confessing Christ

Luk 12:8 Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God: 9 But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.

Confess - "homologeo" to acknowledge, to declare.

I confess with absolute certainty that Jesus Christ is God the Son and the Son of God. He existed from eternity past. He was born of a virgin, worked countless miracles, taught eternal truths, and lived a sinless, exemplary life. He is the Lamb of God that is the only sacrifice for the sins of mankind. He died a vicarious death on a cross, was placed in a borrowed tomb, and rose again on the third day with complete victory over sin, death, hell and the devil. He ascended to the Father where He intercedes on our behalf. He is soon to come for His own, then He will judge the world. He will rule and reign on the earth for a thousand years and then forever in Heaven as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Oh, and He is my personal Savior and my best friend. I love Him and desire to worship, glorify and serve Him the rest of my life.

Whom Will Ye Fear?

Luke 12:4 And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. 5 But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him. 6 Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? 7 But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

Jesus said that He is forewarning us as His friends to revere or reverence the Lord. Strong language tempered by a tender relationship.

We need to realize that the fear of man brings a snare (Prov 29:25). It has been said of some of the giants of the faith that they feared no man, only God. Can you imagine how liberating that must be?

Seeking to know God better, John Chrysostom became a hermit in the mountains near Antioch in A.D. 373. Although his time of isolation was cut short by illness, he learned that with God at his side, he could atand alone against anyone or anything. That lesson served Chrysostom well. IN A.D. 398 he was appointed patriarch of Constantinople, where his zeal for reform antagonized the Empress Eudoxia, who had him exiled. Allowed to return after a short time, Chrysostom again infuriated Eudoxia, who sent him away again. How did Chrysostom respond to such persecution? With these words: "What can I fear? Will it be death? But you know that Christ is my life, and that I shall gain by death. Will it be exile? But the earth and all its fullness are the Lord's. Poverty I do not fear; riches I do not sigh for; and from death I do not shrink."

Teach us to Pray

Luke 11:1 And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. 2 And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. 3 Give us day by day our daily bread. 4 And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.

Notice, that old "rock" group, Peter and the Disciples, did not ask Jesus to teach them how to pray. They asked Him to teach them to pray. That subtle difference means a bunch.

It's not that I don't know how to pray. The basic parts of prayer are familiar to me:
Adoration of the Lord? Check.
Supplication? You bet.
Intercession? Mmm Hmm.
Garnering forgiveness? Roger.
Requesting the filling of the Holy Spirit? Positive.
Praying to the Father and in the name of Jesus? Got that down.

I have to admit, my problem is the fact that I just don't pray as I know I should. So I chime in with the apostles, Lord, teach me to pray.

And so, the Lord brings me to situations where my nest is stirred. Discomfort, difficulty and need rear their ugly heads and it is time to approach the Father. I am reminded Who is the source of my supply. I am gently reminded to lift my eyes to the hills from whence cometh my help. He teaches me to pray by reminding me of my dependence on Him.

By all means, Heavenly Father, bring me to thy holy throne today. Force me to my knees, cause me to pray. For in prayer, my fellowship with thee is sweetened. I long for your holy presence. Help me to pray without ceasing, to pray believing, to pray fervently and to pray like your Son did while here on earth. I pray it in Jesus' name, Amen!